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Toyota has revealed its new small SUV, the Yaris Cross, ahead of an Australian arrival later this year.

 

Built on the same GA-B version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) as the new Yaris hatch, the Yaris Cross will slot underneath the C-HR in Toyota’s local portfolio, competing against cars such as the new Hyundai Venue and Mazda CX-3.

 

Dimensionally, the Yaris Cross is 4180mm long, 1765mm wide and 1560mm high, with a 2560mm wheelbase.

 

When compared to the hatch, the Yaris Cross is 90mm taller and 20mm wider, with an additional 30mm of ground clearance.

 

At launch, Toyota will offer a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a petrol-electric hybrid. Expect something in the vicinity of 87kW of power.

 

An intelligent AWD system will be available with the hybrid powertrain, Toyota says the system is more compact and weighs less than traditional mechanical AWD units.

  

While details are still scarce, the brand claims the electric system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. Toyota expects the car to achieve better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions than any of its AWD segment competitors.

 

Design-wise, there’s plenty of body cladding to beef up the exterior, while the cabin layout is lifted straight from the new Yaris.

  

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said Yaris Cross will meet the changing tastes of consumers for SUVs that has seen sales over recent years grow to represent almost 50 per cent of new vehicle sales.

 

"Yaris Cross is a stylish and flexible vehicle for people with active lifestyles who appreciate the strength, space and high-riding qualities of an SUV at a scale that suits their daily need to negotiate city streets and laneways," Mr Hanley said.